Behind The Wheel February 2013 - Month In, Month Out

What may seem to many as the easiest page of a magazine to produce the editorial as time goes on is often anything but. And having done hundreds over the years, for this particular editor, it doesnt get any easier over time ... quite the contrary.

When the time comes to whip up another monthly gem and cranial gears arent spinning freely, the last place I look for inspiration is through other editors opening ramblings all too often, most just go on about what stories that specific issue has in store for its readers (the same information the table of contents provides, right?). Further, I find that each editor has a certain style of writing, something thats usually reflected most in their editorials, and like myself, some frequently use personal experiences as the basis for their monthly intro columns. (Without naming names, there are a few editors whose ramblings I rather admire even so, plagiarizing is not a style of mine.)

Without a noteworthy event (past, present, or future) or something justifying reflecting upon, I often wonder, What do the readers want to read about? Valid enough question what do you want to read about? Obviously, political views dont go over too well, at least not in the eyes of opposing viewers; but then again, political impact on our hobby (such as the situation with El Mirage dry lake or ethanol fuel) sure seems to grab the attention of many.

But in a time when the majority of us get our news in a paperless manner (TV/Internet), whats the real point of talking about news-related topics in print, especially considering the delayed time factor? Because of that, current events are relayed in a more modern, current method: online.

Instead of discussing matters of my choosing, lets talk about things that matter to you, the readers. Seeing as that were now just a month into our 60th anniversary year, before it gets too late, how about telling us about specific items of interest youd like to see covered over the following 10 issues? While nothings really written in stone as of yet, of course well be giving past editors a chance to reflect on R&C in their own words and our newly created archives column will at times be expanded in a celebratory manner. Beyond that, there are plenty more pages to fill in honor of the magazines past six decades, and since youll be the ones reading them, wed love to get your input.

So there you have itan actual editorial thats NOT about me or my personal interests! Enjoy it while it lasts ... next months just around the corner!